NBA general managers had this to say about the Utah Jazz
Oct 16, 2026, 7:46 PM
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 13: (L-R) Austin Ainge, president of basketball operations of the Utah Jazz, greets general manager Joe Cronin of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to the game at Moda Center on March 13, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — For the 25th year in a row, general managers in the NBA were polled and gave their opinions on various topics surrounding the upcoming season in the association.
As could be expected, the Utah Jazz made a handful of appearances in different categories across the survey.
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Every Utah Jazz Appearance In The 2026-27 NBA GM Survey
- Which team will be most improved in 2026-27?
- Utah Jazz finished third with 13 percent of the votes.
- Who will win the 2026-27 Rookie of the Year?
- Darryn Peterson finished fourth with 13 percent of the votes.
- Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
- Darryn Peterson finished fourth with 10 percent of the votes.
- Which head coach runs the best offense?
- Will Hardy received at least one vote.
- Which team’s level of success this season is toughest to predict?
- Utah Jazz tied for third with 13 percent of the votes.
- Which player is the best at moving without the ball?
- Lauri Markkanen was one of four players to receive votes, finishing fourth at three percent.
Utah Jazz History In The GM Survey
Since the general manager survey made its debut ahead of the 2002-03 season, the Utah Jazz and its players have made quite a few appearances.
By far, the question most dominated by Utah has been, “Which team has the best home-court advantage?” The Jazz were a top answer in that category in 19 of the 21 years it has been asked. However, this year marks the second year in a row they’ve missed the list, most likely due to the rebuild.
Looking at rookies, Peterson becomes the first Jazz freshman to crack both the rookie of the year and best rookie in five years questions. Deron Williams received ROTY votes in 2005-06 and a handful of 2010s rookies received best in five years votes, but no Jazz rookie has ever appeared in both categories.
Hardy received some votes for running the best offense, and it could be a sneak peek of what’s to come. Three other Jazz head coaches have dominated that category over the last two and a half decades. Jerry Sloan had four appearances and placed first once. Quin Snyder had three appearances and also placed first once.
Lastly, this year is just the second time that NBA GMs see the Jazz as one of the three teams most likely to make a significant jump. They placed second in the most improved category before the 2016-17 season.
Assuming Utah lives up to those lofty expectations, expect to see them even more on next year’s survey.
